UNDP Jobs - 40977- Research Consultant (HDRO)

Research Consultant (HDRO)

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Nov-2013

Application Deadline :

18-Oct-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Human Development Report (HDR) is produced by a multi-disciplinary team. The HDR focuses on a different theme every year, with the objective of moving the global debate on human development forward. HDRO is seeking a consultant based in New York, who can contribute to the report preparation in the Office, working under the supervision of the Head of the Development Research and Data Unit.

The 2013 Human Development Report (HDR) examined many aspects of the rapid change and human progress across a large number of developing countries in recent decades. It also asked what it might take to sustain such progress, suggesting the urgency with which the challenges of enhanced equity, voice and accountability; environmental sustainability; and demographic change need to be met. The 2014 HDR proposes to build upon and expand the theme of sustainability by examining developmental processes and policies that deepen human progress by reducing vulnerabilities that could derail it, and enhancing its resilience. The notion of human security, introduced in the 1994 HDR, will be revisited in the analysis of the inter-related subject of reducing vulnerability and building resilience, but in the context of a much transformed world characterized by the changing nature of vulnerabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The work of the consultants will largely be about assisting in the fact checking process as well as in the analysis and drafting of material for the HDR 2014.

It is expected that the Consultant will perform the following tasks:

Assist senior researchers of the report writing team in the management and elaboration of the drafts of the report;
Compile databases and undertake statistical data analysis;
Do background research, including fact checking;
Final preparation of tables, graphs, and calculations with the data;
Undertake other tasks as required.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Familiarity with the human development approach;
Advanced knowledge of the analytical foundations of the human development and capabilities approach;
Demonstrates good writing skills and the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into succinct written notes/reports, summaries.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent degree in a social science;
Economics, sociology, political science and anthropology, with experience in international development and knowledge of developing economies, are particularly relevant;
A PhD is considered a strong asset.

Experience:

Minimum twelve month full or part-time work experience in research related activities;
Research experience in econometric analysis using Stata;
Possesses significant experience of empirical work using statistical software and knowledge of key debates in the area of development studies.

Desired:

Familiarity with the process of producing a leading global report;
Solid experience with analysis rooted in the human development approach;
Advanced Excel skills for quantitative analysis and advanced knowledge in Stata;
Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into succinct written summaries;
Willingness to work on multiple tasks under set deadlines and to actively participate in and work with teams;
Orientation for details; and ability to work as part of a team with staff at all levels.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English.